I drove the original rivets out on an open jawed vise with a very small nail set (maybe a punch would have been better). The rivets are only sightly peened, so it is easy to remove them. Putting it all back together will be something else entirely. I plan to reuse the original rivets. If that does not work, I have nails of the same diameter that I could use. If that fails, I have a friend that is a retired machinist.

Dweenk - "Richard, I don't think anyone can get this $@*&% back together."

Richard - " You are kidding me, right? You just haven't tried."

So I do have a back-up plan.

This is *the* attitude to have....

Here's my GC2 from the unidentified rusty stepthrough my wife found me. It was bent and rusted solid. Two days soaking in Evapo-Rust did wonders for it. The mechanism is now freed up, but it must have taken a hit. The top plate is bent and something inside is either broken or not engaged properly. The only thing to do is knock out the rivets and have a look. I was planning on refinishing my Rudge, but I'm still having too much fun riding it the way it is. My Sprite needs nothing right now, so I guess it's time to learn how to repair this shifter.
http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=466141http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=466142http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=466143

@BigChief - great photos. You've motivated me. I may have to have a go at my SA shifters to see what I can do.

Well, here's the components. Nothing was under spring pressure when I disassembled it. Nothing worked as it should, so I don't have a base point for reassembly. I don't think any parts are missing.
http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=466336

This PDF has a cutaway view of the shifter. I think the only spring loaded part is the pawl. The tension on the cable provides the loading to keep everything working.
http://genetics.mgh.harvard.edu/hanc...satriggers.pdf

Ahhh...thank you very much. That mechanical drawing is just what I needed.

@Slash5 & @BigChief - that drawing is the one I referred to the first time I had to change a shift lever.

interesting that your shifter has a decorative face plate separate from the main functional plate. Mine just has a front & back plate.

Yeah, they did away with the embossed faceplate in the early 50s. Too bad. It was really a classy touch. I grew up with the B type shifters with the logo printed directly on the body, so that's what I associate with the 3 speeds of my youth. Only problem with them is the graphics, especially the red 3 fade over time. It's hard to find them with nice sharp graphics. This is my first old style window shifter. I really like the look of it. If I can get it working, I'll use it on my Rudge.

correction: Just came in from a short ride on my Sprite. That shifter does have a separate face plate. Just not embossed, only printed.

Today in Highly Inflated Raleigh Sports Craigslist ads, or, I think they accidentally added an extra zero:
Classic English Made Bike, Brooks "Raleigh Sports" 1968 Lady Bike

Or two...

Yeah I've scratched my head over that one.

i was noticing that i cant seem to find the sunlite 26x1 3/8 black k103 black with black sidewalls anywhere any longer. These were nice 3 speed replacement tires in that the tread pattern appeared close to original. DO you know if sunlite stopped making these? You can find the black with white sidewalls but no longer the all black ones.

Besides the price issue, the front brake, saddle, and shifter look to be later replacements. Some parts are very clean and others are not.

Yeah, looking at it on a bigger screen, I can see all the rust. And I always love when someone finds one of Brooks vinyl mattress saddles and uses it as a selling point, thinking it's the same quality as their leather saddles.

I'm not the person to do it, but would love to hear the seller's reasoning/rationale behind the very high price.

Oh wait, the answer is in the description. It's a "collectors item". :roflmao2:

It belongs in the wacky craigslist thread. Get a grip, folks!

Sorry. I know about that thread, but I didn't think it was too off-base (or off topic) in posting it here.

Scale: Search Ebay "26" x 1 3/8" IRC" . A seller has these for $35 delivered and they look close to originals. I'm putting a pair of these on my 1948.

If it sells for that and starts a trend ..................... I'm rich! I'll be dirty steenking rich!

Thanks GasBag!
(No insult intended)

I'm thinking of using 4-40 round head screws with nuts on the back instead of the rivets. I'll have to make sleeves, but I think reassembly will be a lot easier than trying to keep everything aligned while I drive the back side of the case onto the rivets.

You are welcome and no offense taken. I have a facetious sense of humor and chose my screen alias accordingly.

I mounted one of them IRCs today on a Westwood rim. It spins true radially and axially. They have 55 psi sidewall pressure which is more than adequate for my purposes. They also have "Roadster" embossed on the sidewall so I can check in case I forget what I'm riding. I'm strongly considering purchasing 2 more to squirrel away for future restorations.

good plan. I had planned to order a small pile of the sunlite black/black k103s due to them being so cheap.....for that same reason. Ive got at 57 robin hood im trying to get done. All i have left is to source good quality cotters and press them. Ive got 2 projects waiting for that process. I sure wish someone would step up and start making BBs that fit these old 3speeds properly with a square taper. Somthing sealed.....and simple. The SA rear hubs are an amazing design and the shear number of 3 speeds out there is unreal. All of them need a bit of TLC and they make great commuters and townies. Bullet proof really.

Check the hardware store for sleeves or standoffs.